Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Medical laboratory scientists have strong visa sponsorship prospects because the role clearly requires a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field. H-1B visa is the standard path, and hospitals, reference laboratories like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, and public health labs sponsor regularly. Many positions at academic medical centers and nonprofit hospitals are H-1B cap-exempt. ASCP certification is strongly preferred by most employers and strengthens the visa petition. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Transfusion Medicine (Blood Bank) department at MD Anderson Cancer Center plays a vital role in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment by providing specialized blood bank testing and transfusion services. Working closely with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary care teams, the laboratory ensures the safe, accurate, and timely delivery of blood products that are essential to patient care. Utilizing advanced immunohematology testing and rigorous quality standards, the Blood Bank is committed to delivering exceptional laboratory services that directly impact patient outcomes.
This Medical Laboratory Scientist position offers the opportunity to work in a highly specialized transfusion medicine laboratory where technical expertise, critical thinking, and precision are essential. The role is ideal for a laboratory professional who enjoys performing complex testing, working with advanced laboratory technology, and contributing to a collaborative team dedicated to providing outstanding patient care.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will perform specialized blood bank testing while ensuring compliance with established laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include performing and verifying complex laboratory testing, monitoring quality control data, troubleshooting instrumentation, maintaining laboratory equipment, managing inventory, accurately analyzing patient results, and ensuring timely reporting of laboratory findings. Your commitment to quality and attention to detail will help ensure the highest level of patient safety throughout the transfusion process.
You will also contribute to laboratory quality and continuous improvement by participating in the validation of new methodologies, testing platforms, and software implementations while supporting process improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory operations. In addition, you will assist with training and mentoring students, new employees, and fellows, helping to foster a collaborative learning environment and maintain the department's commitment to professional excellence.
Collaboration and customer service are integral to this role. You will work closely with physicians, nurses, laboratory colleagues, and other healthcare professionals to provide responsive service, resolve laboratory-related questions, and ensure efficient workflow in a fast-paced clinical environment. Success in this position requires excellent communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
The ideal candidate will possess strong laboratory experience, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and a passion for delivering accurate, high-quality diagnostic testing. Individuals who thrive in a technologically advanced laboratory, enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and are committed to advancing patient care through excellence in transfusion medicine will find this opportunity especially rewarding.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology OR
- Bachelor's Degree in a related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology OR
- Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- 2 years of clinical laboratory experience with an Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology
- 1 year of clinical laboratory experience with a Bachelor's Degree in a related science field
- No experience required with completion of a NAACLS-accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist Technologist/Scientist/Specialist certification OR
- CHS - Certified Histocompatibility Specialist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
- CHT - Certified Histocompatibility Technologist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
- MDT - Molecular Diagnostics Tech, American Medical
COMPENSATION
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 67,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 83,500
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 100,000
WORK HOURS
The hours for this position are 4 10 hours shifts from 9pm - 7:30am.
OTHER DUTIES
- Performs all laboratory testing specific to the assigned section.
- Remains knowledgeable and competent for all policies, procedures and protocols.
- Ensures and verifies quality control data is appropriate for the complexity of the reported tests.
- Troubleshoots and maintains laboratory equipment.
- Maintains competency in computer functions in assigned areas.
- Follows section's inventory control system to assure effective use of supplies and reagents.
- Completes, verifies and reports testing in timely manner.
- Complies with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates.
- Remains responsible and accountable for all actions.
Enhances productivity and laboratory lab functions by demonstrating dependability.
- Adjusts, prioritizes, and organizes work to achieve maximum productivity to meet the workload demands of the section.
- Assists peers and supervisors with tasks after completion of assigned work.
- Adheres to attendance policy, begins work as scheduled.
- Works independently, utilizes resources available to maximize efficiency.
Assists in the development of laboratory personnel and tests, to enhance laboratory functions.
- Actively participates in training students, employees and fellows.
- Participates in process improvement projects.
- Validates and evaluates new methodologies and tests with the help of Laboratory Supervisor and technical support.
- Validates database for new software or new tests implemented in the laboratory.
- Coaches and mentors' students and employees.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Manages all customer service interactions with diplomacy, actively facilitating resolutions to problems and addressing the needs of clients both internal and external.
COMPUTER SKILLS
- Maintains proficiency on computer functions in the lab processes.
- Properly acquires specimen data into computer system(s).
- Analyzes and evaluates patient results correctly and appropriately.
- Stores patient information and results to allow easy future access as required.
Other duties as assigned.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a rewarding career at one of the world's leading cancer centers dedicated to advancing patient care through innovation, research, education, and excellence in laboratory medicine.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Requisition ID: 182092
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Onsite
INTRODUCTION
The Transfusion Medicine (Blood Bank) department at MD Anderson Cancer Center plays a vital role in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment by providing specialized blood bank testing and transfusion services. Working closely with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary care teams, the laboratory ensures the safe, accurate, and timely delivery of blood products that are essential to patient care. Utilizing advanced immunohematology testing and rigorous quality standards, the Blood Bank is committed to delivering exceptional laboratory services that directly impact patient outcomes.
This Medical Laboratory Scientist position offers the opportunity to work in a highly specialized transfusion medicine laboratory where technical expertise, critical thinking, and precision are essential. The role is ideal for a laboratory professional who enjoys performing complex testing, working with advanced laboratory technology, and contributing to a collaborative team dedicated to providing outstanding patient care.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will perform specialized blood bank testing while ensuring compliance with established laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include performing and verifying complex laboratory testing, monitoring quality control data, troubleshooting instrumentation, maintaining laboratory equipment, managing inventory, accurately analyzing patient results, and ensuring timely reporting of laboratory findings. Your commitment to quality and attention to detail will help ensure the highest level of patient safety throughout the transfusion process.
You will also contribute to laboratory quality and continuous improvement by participating in the validation of new methodologies, testing platforms, and software implementations while supporting process improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory operations. In addition, you will assist with training and mentoring students, new employees, and fellows, helping to foster a collaborative learning environment and maintain the department's commitment to professional excellence.
Collaboration and customer service are integral to this role. You will work closely with physicians, nurses, laboratory colleagues, and other healthcare professionals to provide responsive service, resolve laboratory-related questions, and ensure efficient workflow in a fast-paced clinical environment. Success in this position requires excellent communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
The ideal candidate will possess strong laboratory experience, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and a passion for delivering accurate, high-quality diagnostic testing. Individuals who thrive in a technologically advanced laboratory, enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and are committed to advancing patient care through excellence in transfusion medicine will find this opportunity especially rewarding.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology OR
- Bachelor's Degree in a related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology OR
- Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- 2 years of clinical laboratory experience with an Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology
- 1 year of clinical laboratory experience with a Bachelor's Degree in a related science field
- No experience required with completion of a NAACLS-accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist Technologist/Scientist/Specialist certification OR
- CHS - Certified Histocompatibility Specialist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
- CHT - Certified Histocompatibility Technologist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
- MDT - Molecular Diagnostics Tech, American Medical
COMPENSATION
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 67,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 83,500
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 100,000
WORK HOURS
The hours for this position are 4 10 hours shifts from 9pm - 7:30am.
OTHER DUTIES
- Performs all laboratory testing specific to the assigned section.
- Remains knowledgeable and competent for all policies, procedures and protocols.
- Ensures and verifies quality control data is appropriate for the complexity of the reported tests.
- Troubleshoots and maintains laboratory equipment.
- Maintains competency in computer functions in assigned areas.
- Follows section's inventory control system to assure effective use of supplies and reagents.
- Completes, verifies and reports testing in timely manner.
- Complies with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates.
- Remains responsible and accountable for all actions.
Enhances productivity and laboratory lab functions by demonstrating dependability.
- Adjusts, prioritizes, and organizes work to achieve maximum productivity to meet the workload demands of the section.
- Assists peers and supervisors with tasks after completion of assigned work.
- Adheres to attendance policy, begins work as scheduled.
- Works independently, utilizes resources available to maximize efficiency.
Assists in the development of laboratory personnel and tests, to enhance laboratory functions.
- Actively participates in training students, employees and fellows.
- Participates in process improvement projects.
- Validates and evaluates new methodologies and tests with the help of Laboratory Supervisor and technical support.
- Validates database for new software or new tests implemented in the laboratory.
- Coaches and mentors' students and employees.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Manages all customer service interactions with diplomacy, actively facilitating resolutions to problems and addressing the needs of clients both internal and external.
COMPUTER SKILLS
- Maintains proficiency on computer functions in the lab processes.
- Properly acquires specimen data into computer system(s).
- Analyzes and evaluates patient results correctly and appropriately.
- Stores patient information and results to allow easy future access as required.
Other duties as assigned.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a rewarding career at one of the world's leading cancer centers dedicated to advancing patient care through innovation, research, education, and excellence in laboratory medicine.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Requisition ID: 182092
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Onsite
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Earn MLS(ASCP) certification before your job search
The ASCP Board of Certification exam is the standard credential expected by U.S. laboratory employers. Having it before you apply demonstrates that you meet U.S. clinical laboratory standards and eliminates a common hiring barrier. International graduates can apply through the ASCP's international degree route if their education meets equivalency requirements.
Target hospital systems with multiple laboratory sites
Large health systems like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Mass General Brigham operate high-volume laboratories that consistently need qualified MLS professionals. These organizations have established immigration processes and the resources to support H-1B petitions. Multi-site systems may also offer transfer opportunities that provide career advancement without changing employers.
Specialize in molecular diagnostics or blood banking
Molecular diagnostics, including PCR and next-generation sequencing, is one of the fastest-growing laboratory disciplines. Blood bank specialists with SBB(ASCP) certification are also in high demand due to the complexity and critical nature of transfusion medicine. Specialized expertise creates a stronger justification for sponsorship because qualified candidates are scarce.
Consider reference laboratory positions at Quest or LabCorp
National reference laboratories like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp employ thousands of MLS professionals across their testing facilities. Their large HR departments and legal teams are experienced in handling visa petitions. Reference labs may also offer specialized testing roles in areas like toxicology, genetics, or esoteric testing that are harder to fill domestically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can medical laboratory scientists get H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Medical laboratory scientist positions typically require a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related biological science, which meets the H-1B visa specialty occupation threshold. Hospital laboratories, reference labs, and public health laboratories hire MLS professionals and may sponsor qualified international candidates. Having your MLS(ASCP) certification strengthens the petition significantly.
What is the MLS(ASCP) certification, and is it required?
The MLS(ASCP) credential from the American Society for Clinical Pathology is the most widely recognized certification for medical laboratory scientists in the U.S. While not legally required in all states, most employers expect it as a condition of hire. The certification requires a qualifying degree and passing the ASCP Board of Certification exam, which covers clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and blood banking.
Do medical laboratory scientists need VisaScreen certification?
Medical technologists and clinical laboratory scientists are on the list of occupations that may require VisaScreen certification from CGFNS for certain visa categories. The requirement applies primarily when seeking an immigrant visa or specific nonimmigrant classifications. Check the current CGFNS requirements for your specific visa pathway, as regulations can change.
Are there shortages of medical laboratory scientists in the U.S.?
Yes. The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science has reported persistent vacancy rates in hospital laboratories, driven by an aging workforce and insufficient new graduates entering the field. This shortage means employers - particularly in rural areas and smaller hospital systems - may be more motivated to sponsor international MLS professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the critical need for laboratory staffing.
How to find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international healthcare professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, and other work visas for laboratory professionals with specialized medical testing expertise.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a medical laboratory scientist in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.